February 21, 2023
This week’s up-and-comer is Zach Bauer, director of marketing at Reliabank.
First name: Zach Bauer
Age: 40
Home town: Billings, Montana
What brought you to Sioux Falls?
In 2012, my wife and I began the exciting journey of launching a new church in Sioux Falls. We’ve only been here twice before deciding to make this great city our new home. Not long after I arrived, I joined the team at 5J Design + Marketing, a local marketing firm.
What’s keeping you in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls is a vibrant community filled with friendship and opportunity. Some of my closest friends are here – the city has so much to offer in terms of connection and growth! From its unique culture to innovative businesses, Sioux Falls truly shines as an extraordinary place to live.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love the creative process. Nothing is as satisfying as seeing a spark of creativity transform into something that can connect and inspire others. This is why I love the journey from conception to realization!
How did you get in touch with your industry?
After high school, I followed my passion for websites and graphic design to college in Wyoming. There I discovered the power of combining creative elements with websites and marketing strategies.
Describe your workplace in three words.
Reliable. Community oriented. Relational.
What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?
Since 2014 I have been a professional pitmaster on the Kansas City Barbecue Society circuit. Last year I competed and won best brisket at the Sanford International Golf Tournament – 2022 Beef BBQ Contest of Champions. After years of honing my competitive cooking skills, last year I jumped at the opportunity to launch a BBQ food truck with friends. Since then, 605 Barbecue Co. has been serving delicious food around Sioux Falls for private parties and private events!
What’s your favorite way to give something back to your community?
My wife and I are passionate about helping those in transition. So many people in transition are grappling with poverty, family crises and affordable housing. For years, we have partnered with families and individuals at the Children’s Inn, Rich in Compassion House and Empower Sioux Falls.
What is one activity you wish you could see in Sioux Falls that isn’t there right now?
Five on Black – Brazilian street food restaurant in our hometown of Billings, Montana.
If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?
I would like to see rentable commercial kitchen space, a place where food trucks and small catering companies can have access to a commercial kitchen. This space would be intended solely for food preparation and production. The commercial space is licensed, certified and equipped for large-scale food production. This allows you the freedom to rent the space for a few hours or on fixed terms.
